Lo-fi

Short for low-fidelity, lo-fi prototypes are fast and inexpensive to produce but lack sophisticated interactive elements. They can be created digitally, using PowerPoint or Figma, or on paper as sketches or sticky notes.

Hi-fi

Short for high-fidelity, hi-fi prototypes are closer to the final product than lo-fi designs and come later in the prototyping process. They are digital, sometimes even coded, and have many of the interactive elements expected in the final product.

Mockup

A specific type of hi-fi prototype focused on product aesthetics. Mockups allow designers and users to finalize many of the visual elements before moving onto more functional prototypes.

Sketch

The easiest form of lo-fi prototype, designers will sketch concepts early and throughout the design process. This is usually done on paper, but e-ink and digital sketch pads can also be used.

Information Architecture

The structure, design, and content of information on the site. Designers must decide what information needs to be included as well as how to maximize information placement.